Plant Profile: Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles Speciosa)

The flowering quince is a thorny, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub that has a somewhat messy growth habit but beautiful red, orange, white, or pink flowers, and shiny, dark-green foliage. Related to roses, the thorny habit and easy-to-grow nature make it a good choice for barrier plantings.

Description

The varieties of the native species grow 6 to 10 feet in natural environments, with a similar spread, but there are cultivated types that grow only about 3 to 4 feet in height. The popular Double Take TM series reach a mature size of about 3 to 4 feet in height and spread.

The shrub is a dense mound of gray-brown spiny twigs. Scarlet, red, or pink flowers about 2 inches in diameter with five petals appear in March and April, producing yellowish-green fruits that can be used in preserves and jellies. The oval leaves with serrated edges are a glossy dark-green, growing to a maximum of about 3 1/2 inches.

This plant has prominent critics, including Michael Dirr, one the most prominent experts on woody plants, who describes flowering quince as "oafish," "a tangle mass of stems," and "a hummocky mass."

Botanical Information

Flowering quince is native to China and Korea and is sometimes known as Chinese flowering quince. The scientific name is Chaenomeles speciosa, and it is closely related to two other common landscape plants, Chaenomeles cathayensis, and Chaenomeles. japonica (Japanese quince). Flowering quince is a member of the rose family, as evidenced by its thorny stems and flowers and leaves that resemble those of roses. It is one of the oldest of all landscape plants, having been cultivated for thousands of years in Asia.

Several cultivars of flowering quince are commonly sold at garden centers, and there are also hybrids of other cross-bred Chaenomeles species.

Gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9 can find cultivar suitable for their gardens. The popular Double Take TM series is grown in zones 5 to 8.

Landscape Uses

With a thorny habit and a relatively short bloom season, flowering quince is not a great specimen plant, but it works well planted in mass along borders or as an informal barrier hedge. In large mixed orders, it can provide an early-spring accent. The closely related Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) is a classic cottage garden plant; the fruit can be used in jellies and jams.

Growing Flowering Quince

Grow flowering quince shrubs in full sun for the best flowering display and in a well-drained loam. Feed with a slow-release fertilizer in early spring, or apply compost as a soil amendment. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, an overly alkalinesoil pH can lead to problems with chlorosis, so keep the soil slightly acidic or neutral. Plants grown in clayey soils will survive but may not be as vigorous.

Mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. While these are reasonably drought-tolerant shrubs once established, young plants will need to be watered at times.

Prune just after blooming is over since the bushes bloom on old wood. Pruning should be fairly light, but when done immediately after blooming it will stimulate new growth that makes for more profuse blooming the following spring.

Problems

Flowering quince, like other members of the rose family, is susceptible to fungal leaf spot. Fireblight and scab can sometimes occur. Aphids can badly damage new growth. Other insect pests include scale and mites. Chlorosis (yellowing of the foliage) can occur in high pH soils.